Activities: Fraser and Thompson Canyons

Fraser River and Thompson River Activities
Rafting This is whitewater country! For the ultimate in adventure, try river rafting. River running is for anyone who really enjoys the outdoors. Some of the best whitewater rivers in the world are found in British Columbia. These include the Thompson, Fraser and Nahatlatch Rivers, that are all located in the Fraser Canyon. There are a number of guides and outfitters in this region. The Thompson River offers a wealth of excellent runs, if the Thompson River is big, the Fraser is bigger. If you want rocks, holes and waves, the Nahatlatch is the place to go. Run a river. It's fun!	Photo Above: Whitewater Rafting
Photo Above: Fishing at Goldpan	Fishing The Fraser River (in the canyon) is not good for fishing, but this river's drainage system is home to one of the largest salmon spawning runs in the world. And becoming a popular sport along the Fraser, is fishing for sturgeon. You will find that fishing is good along the many creeks and rivers that make their way into the Fraser. The Thompson River is world famous for its steelhead fishing and there are many good fishing lakes in this region of B.C.
Hiking Like other areas of B.C., you will find excellent hiking trails in this region. Whether it's a short day trip or a backpacking excursion, you'll enjoy the scenery, the wildlife and the quiet along the trails that vary in difficulty. The Stein Valley Trail - A very interesting and wilderness area that's gaining popularity with hikers everywhere is the Stein Valley that is located near the village of Lytton, in southwestern British Columbia.	Photo Above: Rafting the Thompson River
Nature Viewing Animals that are native to this region include, the Douglas and Red squirrel, the Columbian chipmunk, both the Coast and Mule deer, the ground hog and big horn sheep. Infact, at certain times of the year, you can see big horn sheep grazing in the town of Spences Bridge. At Hell's Gate, you can have the opportunity of seeing spawning salmon. There is also an interpretive centre and fishways located at Hell's Gate. Plant life on the southern end is in great abundance. There is no shortage of greenery, such as fern, salal, and devil's club. Alder, maples, balsam, hemlock and fir are everywhere. The Dogwood (B.C.'s Provincial Floral Emblem) is a beautiful tree and can be seen in great profusion around the Alexandra Bridge. Growing along the road side, you might see the ox-eye daisy, the field chamomile and golden rod. As you make your way further north, trees and shrubs become rather scarce. The yellow or ponderosa pine thrives in the dry belt area of B.C. Both cacti and tumbleweed are prevalent in the northern half of this scenic drive.	Rock Hounding The area around Lillooet, Lytton and Boston Bar is known for rock hounding. People come from near and far to hunt the ground for agate and jade. Along the rivers, look for "Schmoos," these sediment beds that have been greatly compressed into interesting formations are from 70 to 130 millions years old. © 1996- 2009 INTERACTIVE BROADCASTING CORPORATION